On the main stage: a full day of community performance
The day kicked off at 11am with a welcome from the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles. Then GLL got the crowd moving with a family-friendly fitness workout led by their team of instructors.
Morning programme
From there, the main stage ran non-stop. The morning line-up included:
•St Michael’s Primary School — Year 3 children performing an original song written with World Groove CIC, based on the school values of respect, kindness, aspiration, appreciation and perseverance
•The Rock Academy — a young band from the Band Experience programme performing original material
•Reading Chinese School — a three-part set including a Gu Zheng performance of Yu Jun Shu by 11-year-old Austin Bensley with his brother Oscar on vocals, a choir piece “Ode to the Yellow Emperor”, and a graceful fan dance, Mangzhong (Grain in Ear)
Afternoon programme
The afternoon kept the energy high with dance schools from across Reading:
•O’Gara School of Irish Dance — celebrating their 20th anniversary, fresh from the World Irish Dancing Championships
•babyballet Reading and Henley-on-Thames — award-winning dance for the under-6s, followed by a hands-on workshop in the marquee
•My Dance Land — vibrant Bollywood, street and fusion routines from Aradhana Singh’s Reading-based academy
•Theatretrain — dance highlights from their 2026 show followed by a Zumba masterclass open to the audience
•Chance to Dance Stars — a joyful, inclusive performance celebrating dancers in the disabled community
Workshops also ran throughout the day in the dedicated marquee. Sessions included babyballet and a musical theatre dance workshop from Theatretrain. Families could try things for themselves rather than just watch from the grass.
Why the Forbury Fiesta 2026 mattered
What makes the Forbury Fiesta 2026 special is the mix. World-class young dancers share the stage with primary-school performers. Cultural societies sit alongside inclusive dance schools. All of it happens on one Saturday afternoon in the heart of Reading.
The free entry model matters too. Families can turn up, stay as long as they like, and head home without spending a penny. In a year when household budgets are stretched, that accessibility means more than ever.
Planning a family event, school fete or community festival of your own? Get in touch with Jack In A Box Entertainment to discuss circus acts, walkabout performers, hosts and workshops for events across Reading, Berkshire and the wider UK.
